New Delhi: Lee Je-hoon, a popular South Korean actor, had to cancel his appearance at the Busan International Film Festival due to illness. According to many reports, the actor who played the lead role in the hit thriller Taxi Driver (2021) and its sequel (2023), was taken to the hospital on Sunday owing to abdominal pain and discomfort, as confirmed by his agency company on Monday.
After being diagnosed with ischemic colitis, he required ‘emergency surgery’, according to a statement released by his management company, COMPANY ON.
Abdominal discomfort and other symptoms are common in ischemic colitis, a disorder caused by a lack of blood flow to the colon.
According to Soompi, his agency said that "Lee Je Hoon went to the hospital on the night of [October] 1 due to severe abdominal pain, and he was diagnosed with ischemic colitis. He received emergency surgery early on [October] 2.”
His operation was a success, but he still needs to rest in the hospital while he recovers.
Lee’s agency added, “Thankfully the surgery was successful, and he is currently recovering at the hospital. We will have to watch the progress of his recovery, but he will probably have to hospitalized for about a week.”
On Wednesday, Lee and South Korean actress Park Eun-bin, the breakthrough star of the blockbuster drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), were supposed to co-host the opening ceremony of the 28th Busan International Film Festival. From October 4-13, the event will be held.
Lee Je Hoon will not be replaced as a host. If this happens, Park Eun Bin will be the first woman to host the Opening Ceremony of the festival on her own.
Lee Je Hoon will also be taking time off from filming episodes of ‘Chief Inspector: The Beginning’ on MBC to focus on his health.
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